Metta Fund seeks to improve the health and wellness of San Francisco’s growing older adult population. Yet, we are continually reminded that racism is a formidable barrier to that mission. In order to make meaningful impact and advance equity in aging, we believe that we must be both explicit and unequivocal in our long-term commitment to advancing racial equity – and being antiracist – in all that we do. This statement serves to articulate how Metta Fund will apply a racial equity lens to shift its internal and external practices, policies, and grantmaking investments.
We recognize that our society is challenged to overcome its complex, interconnected web of inequities – racism, sexism, homophobia, classism, xenophobia, ageism, and ableism among them. Each of these forms of oppression is a powerful driver of inequitable access to opportunity and resources. However, we also know that individuals whose multiple, social identities intersect experience compounded discrimination, amplified by race.
Racism continues to pose barriers to fulfilling human potential and creates vast inequities –– from education to housing and lending to hiring. These affronts to our humanity are a direct result of our nation’s original sins. We also recognize that many of today’s healthcare disparities are attributed to exploitative, structural policies targeting people of color, especially the Black community.
Racial equity and justice are essential to achieving equity in health outcomes. Ultimately, the elimination of race as a predictor of life outcomes will have a significantly positive impact on other injustices.